So you shelled out some cash on a costume and now it’s just lying around collecting dust. I don’t condone throwing costumes out since you will always have an opportunity to wear it again. But instead of waiting for the opportunity to get dressed up again, why not adopt a ‘re-use’ policy and work parts of it into your regular rotation? Granted, not all costumes lend themselves to this, but it’s amazing what gems can come from the strangest of places.

Outfit 1:
I think a disgusting amount of flimsy, cardboard fedoras are bought around Halloween. But considering their imminent expiration date, it would be a shame not to use the hat to its full potential. Items like this don’t cost very much and you probably can’t convince anyone it’s some really important designer’s but, worked into a much nicer outfit, it could really work. Most any costume accessory lends itself to being incorporated into a ‘real life’ outfit and could very well give you a new signature look.

Outfit 2:
Not all pieces to a costume are as obvious as a cardboard hat or some weird headdress. His pants were originally from a costume and prove two very good points. First, a costume is a good time to try out new cuts and styles you might have previously stayed away from—as in, you might have never known how good you look in a billowy, pirate shirt. And second, when you’re shopping around for a costume, always consider the versatility of the items involved—if you can go to VV to find the pieces, you’re far more likely to wear them again.

Ladies Touch by Maggie M; a freelance writer and fashion consultant.